Bedford County, PA — The America 250 PA Bedford County Committee is pleased to announce the local artists selected for the America250PA Bedford County Liberty Bell Project: Bob Webb, recognized posthumously, and Morgan Young, a talented local multi-media artist.
The Bedford County Liberty Bell Project is part of the America250PA initiative, commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Across the Commonwealth, artists are creating unique “Liberty Bell” artworks that celebrate the history, culture, and character of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Bedford County’s contribution will pay tribute to its rich heritage, creativity, and community spirit.
“Shortly after our America250PA Bedford County Kick-Off ceremony, we lost our committee chair, Bob Webb, to an unexpected passing,” explained committee member Kellie Goodman Shaffer. “Bob was more than a lifelong Bedford County resident, entrepreneur, and dedicated member of the Bedford County Visitors Bureau team—he was also a gifted fine art photographer, trained under a protégé of Ansel Adams. For more than 50 years, his work captured the soul of our county and our communities with a rare blend of technical precision and heartfelt reverence for the people and places of this beautiful county we call home.
As we considered how best to participate in the Bells Across Pennsylvania initiative, our committee realized there could be no more fitting tribute to both this milestone moment and to Bob’s memory than to celebrate Bedford County through his lens.”
Local artist Morgan Young, owner of MY Fine Art, whose murals and paintings are woven throughout Bedford County’s landscape, is leading this project. Her vision is to create a dynamic collage featuring a curated collection of Bob Webb’s photographs that reflect the everyday beauty and unique spirit of our county.
“From sweeping landscapes and historic landmarks, to intimate portraits of local life and moments captured at various community gatherings, this artwork will illustrate the multifaceted story of Bedford County,” explained Young. “The piece will also, with intention, represent many focus areas of the America250PA celebration.”
The visual medley is intended to serve not only as a tribute to Bob Webb’s artistry and love for Bedford County, but also as a timeless representation of our shared heritage; our local bell will “ring out” visually—calling us together to honor the past, embrace the present, and imagine the future with unity and hope.
The collaborative artwork will become part of the statewide Liberty Bell Trail exhibit, connecting communities across Pennsylvania as the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial. The Bedford County bell will be unveiled locally before the end of the year, and then become a traveling exhibit, which the committee intends to showcase at community events throughout the county in 2026.
Along with it, there will be a community art project, inviting those who see the bell to sign their name to canvas forms to be combined into a unique art installation available for view at the conclusion of the year-long celebration.
“We are honored to celebrate Bob Webb’s remarkable legacy as an artist, but perhaps more importantly as a proud citizen and servant leader of Bedford County and a friend to so many, while also showcasing Morgan’s creative energy and talent,” added Goodman Shaffer. Together, their work beautifully represents the heart of Bedford County—our past, our present, and our hope for the future.”
The Bedford County Bell is sponsored by Bedford Grange Mutual Insurance Company and the Rotary Clubs of Bedford County (Bedford Evening and Sunrise Clubs.)